Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Thinking about applying for a fellowship can be daunting and often feels like the next big pressure you face after finishing your PhD. Connor knows this as well as anyone, and he put-off deciding for 3 years. However, last year (after feeling the career drift mentioned in his last blog) he committed himself to go for it and has recently been awarded a 2-year NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Dementia Fellowship (partnered with Alzheimer's Society). In this blog, Connor reflects on preparing for the application, the application process and what he has learned from the experience. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-my-path-to-an-nihr-arc-dementia-fellowship/ -- Dr Connor Richardson is a Neuro-epidemiology Research Associate (soon to be NIHR Research Fellow) in the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute. Connor is the research statistician for the Cognitive Function and Ageing studies (CFAS) multi-centre population cohort. His research interest lies in using advanced statistical modelling and machine learning to measure dementia risk. Connor blogs about his research, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and sometimes his Pomapoo’s. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Anna Volkmer, narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Small research grants play an important role in supporting early-stage research (and early stage researchers), encouraging innovation, and advancing scientific knowledge. They provide flexibility and agility to pursue ideas that may be considered too risky or too exploratory for larger grants, and we all know what can grow from an acorn... In this blog Dr Anna Volkmer (now a quite senior researcher) is waiting for news from a small grant application, demonstrating that despite the time and effort, these small grants play an important role, a topic Anna discusses in this blog. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-every-penny-counts-small-grant-applications/ -- Dr Anna Volkmer is a Speech and Language Therapist and researcher in Language and Cognition, Department of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London. Anna is researching Speech and language therapy interventions in language led dementia and was once voted scariest speech and language therapist (even her children agree). -- If you would like to write your own blog drop us a line, we're always on the look out for new contributors to write about their research, careers + more [email protected] -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Did you know that the academic publication industry is more profitable than the music and film industry? We’re talking tens of billions of dollars. It’ s not a surprise when you consider that U.K. universities are estimated to spend hundreds of millions each year on publication fees. And that’s per university… So where does the money go, and should some of that find its way back into your pocket for peer review? Dr Sam Moxon explores in this blog. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-should-we-get-paid-for-peer-review/ -- Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials scientist at the University of Manchester. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney. Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected] This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Immunohistochemistry is both an experimental and diagnostic technique which is frequently used in research and clinical pathology laboratories. In this blog Kamar provides an introduction to immunohistochemistry and describes how it is used to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases post-mortem, with examples of how it has been used in her own experimental research. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-using-immunohistochemistry-to-understand-disease-pathology/ -- Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Teesside University & Affiliate Researcher at Glasgow University. In addition to teaching, Kamar is exploring how neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases that lead to dementia. Having first pursued a career as an NHS Psychologist, Kamar went back to University in Durham to look at rodent behavioural tasks to completed her PhD, and then worked as a regional Programme Manager for NC3Rs. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Today, 8th of March, it’s International Women’s Day – Dr Clarissa Giebel takes the opportunity to highlight the many things fantastic women have achieved, taking stock where we are at in terms of gender equity (or still mostly inequity), and recognising what we still need to achieve. As a scientist, in an originally male-dominated profession, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant achievements of female scientists, including dementia and social care researchers in my field. But what’s more, it’s an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the many female non-academics we as scientists work with. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-gender-equity-in-science-celebrating-womens-achievements/ -- Dr Clarissa Giebel is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and NIHR ARC North West Coast. Clarissa has been working in dementia care research for over 10 years focusing her research on helping people with dementia to live at home independently and well for longer, addressing inequalities that people with dementia and carers can face. Outside of her day work, Clarissa has also organised a local dementia network - the Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, and has recently started her own podcast called the Ageing Scientist. -- If you would like to write your own blog drop us a line, we're always on the look out for new contributors to write about their research, careers + more [email protected] This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Beth Eyre narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. The final year of a PhD is scary for many reasons. All of your hard work is coming to an end, you have to write a very long book and there can be lots of uncertainty about what’s next. For Beth, the ‘what’s next’ was always scary. So many thoughts would constantly run around her head, such as how and when willshe find a job? What if she doesn't... In this blog Beth talks about her approach to finding Postdoc job. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-how-to-find-a-postdoc-job/ -- Beth Eyre is a PhD Student at The University of Sheffield, researching Neurovascular and cognitive function in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease. Beth has a background in psychology, where she gained her degree from the University of Leeds. Inside and outside the lab, Beth loves sharing her science and in her blogs she discusses her work, career and shares lessons she learns as she navigates life as an early career researcher. -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always on the look out for new contributors, if you would like to write and narrate your own blog - drop us a line [email protected]. Don't forget to also listen to our fortnightly podcast, just look for Dementia Researcher in your podcast app.

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. If you're new to research, at some point you will need to publish your work. In this blog Adam Smith talks about how to avoid predatory publishers and provides tips on how to choose the right journal to publish in. Not sure what predatory publishing is? Well Predatory or deceptive publishing are terms describing publishers or entities that exploit authors by charging publication fees (commonly known as article processing charges) yet don't deliver on their promise of the editorial and publishing services (such as peer review) that are associated with legitimate publishers... but don't just read this, have a listen. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-find-the-right-journal-for-your-research-avoid-predators/ -- Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health. He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house. _____________________________________________________ Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Even for Yvonne this one is going to be slightly obscure (her words), full of unnecessary references to books you’ve probably never even heard of and highly opinionated. Today Yvonne talks about reputation in science. Whether it’s possible to build one and how that might affect your career (PS Dementia Researcher could help with that...) - whether thats through your science, publications, the journals you choose... or being a TikTok sensation, which counts? Is it important? Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-how-being-seen-might-matter-in-science/ -- Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK Fellow at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. Yvonne writes about her work, academic life, and careers as she takes a new road into independent research @dr_yvonne_couch _____________________________________________________ Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Hannah Hussain narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Vitamins and supplements are not pharmacological interventions and are not typically provided by the NHS. But this does not mean that they do not have benefits for the user. Hannah Hussain is a PhD Student studying health economics and dementia, however... she is also a fully qualified and jobbing pharmacist. In this blog she talks about vitamins and food suppliments and the roles they play in the brain. Many vitamins and minerals are essential for our bodies to function, and although most should be acquired through a balanced and healthy diet – supplementing on particular vitamins that a person may be deficient in or have trouble absorbing can be helpful... find out more in this blog. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-vitamins-food-supplements-dementia/ -- Hannah Hussain is a PhD Student in Health Economics at The University of Sheffield. As a proud third generation migrant and British-Asian, her career path has been linear and ever evolving, originally qualifying as a Pharmacist in Nottingham, then Health Economics in Birmingham. Her studies have opened a world into Psychology, Mental Health and other areas of health, and with that and personal influences she found her passion for dementia. -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line [email protected]

Anna Marie Rosická narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. The past 18 months have been adventurous for Anna Marie. From moving to a different country on her own, through the infamous “I-have-no-idea-what-I-am–doing” phase, to gradually becoming settled in her new researcher life with all its perks and peculiarities. Yes, you read that right – it has been something over a year since she started her research PhD. Anna Marie, like most who started a PhD knew it would be a learning experience. But there are also quite a few tricks of the trade she wishes someone had mentioned before she had started, to avoid learning the hard way! In this blog Anna Marie provides a list of such learnings. hopefully they will be helpful to someone else out there – whether you are just starting your own PhD journey or just need to feel less alone with the PhD storms you have already weathered! Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-starting-my-phd/ -- Anna Marie Rosická is a PhD Student at Trinity College Dublin. Anna received a master’s degree in psychology from the Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, and gained industry experience working as a user experience researcher in IT. Now she studies the effects of ageing and modifiable risk factors on brain health, using gamified cognitive assessments and large-scale data from the smartphone app Neureka. Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected] This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Sam started a new job this month. A new job that meant he left a place he had been at for 6 years, moved to a new city and ventured out into a totally new workplace. It’s quite a lot of change all at once but but did a great job of navigating it. With the challenge of short-term contracts, its easy to become desensitised to moving house in academia. You basically do it every year! But it got Sam thinking job changes and how best to navigate them. It can be quite a stressful experience and he talks about how you can make transition easier. So without further delay… here are Sam's top 5 tips for navigating a job switch: Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-how-to-navigate-a-job-switch/ -- Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials scientist at the University of Manchester. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney. Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected] This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Gaia Brezzo narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Good researchers evaluate data from every angle. They explore cause and effect and untangle the tricky web that interconnects everyday phenomena. So it is easy to understand why Gaia has found it difficult to decide where she stands when it comes to the decision around if she should or shouldn't participate in the industrial action voted on by University & College Union members in a dispute with Universities over pensions, pay and conditions. In this blog Gaia sets out the issues and shares her thoughts on the challenges, the points of dispute and how to respond. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-to-cross-or-not-to-cross-the-picket-line-striking-as-an-ecr/ -- Dr Gaia Brezzo is a Research Fellow based within the UK Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh. Gaia's research focuses on understanding how immune alterations triggered by stroke shape chronic maladaptive neuroimmune responses that lead to post-stroke cognitive decline and vascular dementia. Raised in Italy, Gaia came to the UK to complete her undergraduate degree, and thankfully, stuck around. Gaia writes about her work and career challenges, when not biking her way up and down hills in Edinburgh. Follow Gaia on Twitter: @Gaia_Brezzo -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Career drift can happen when you proceed on your professional career course with no plan, or when a career strategy goes awry due to conditions beyond your control (like a pandemic.... or in academia... a lack of funding maybe?). It is easy to become reactive and stop being proactive career moves, taking the next job because it was offered (without building toward long-term goals) and now you feel stuck. Well, that's kind of how Connor felt in 2022, coming out of the pandemic, but could 2023 be a new year? Was that period of drift actually useful, and was 2022 all bad? Questions he answers in this blog. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-am-i-in-career-drift-mode/ -- Dr Connor Richardson is a Neuro-epidemiology Research Associate in the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute. Connor is the research statistician for the Cognitive Function and Ageing studies (CFAS) multi-centre population cohort. His research interest lies in using advanced statistical modelling and machine learning to measure dementia risk. Connor blogs about his research, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and sometimes his Pomapoo’s. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Anna Volkmer, narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Success in academia if often measured in papers. And the best papers seem to be those with about a million authors on them. Writing anything down on paper seems daunting enough without having to share it with a bunch of others who are going to give their judgement (using the edit and comment function on word – which makes everything a horrifying red). And this is all before you even submit anything to the dreaded journal reviewers. So, how does one manage this as a lowly ECR? Over the years Anna has developed a couple of tricks that she finds useful - and in this blog she shares them (it would be great to hear yours too - add them to the comments). Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-writing-a-paper-with-lots-of-co-authors/ -- Dr Anna Volkmer is a Speech and Language Therapist and researcher in Language and Cognition, Department of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London. Anna is researching Speech and language therapy interventions in language led dementia and was once voted scariest speech and language therapist (even her children agree). -- If you would like to write your own blog drop us a line, we're always on the look out for new contributors to write about their research, careers + more [email protected] -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. You will have come across the term PPIE, or Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement. It is a given that we involve people affected by a condition, so for us, dementia, in our research design and development, conduct, and dissemination. And that is not restricted to dementia of course. PPIE needs to be embedded in any health and social care research, because how else do we know that we as researchers really address the issues that are most important, and urgent, to those with lived experience? In this blog Clarissa takes us through her advise for great PPIE. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-public-involvement-engagement-in-research/ -- Dr Clarissa Giebel is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and NIHR ARC North West Coast. Clarissa has been working in dementia care research for over 10 years focusing her research on helping people with dementia to live at home independently and well for longer, addressing inequalities that people with dementia and carers can face. Outside of her day work, Clarissa has also organised a local dementia network - the Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, and has recently started her own podcast called the Ageing Scientist. -- If you would like to write your own blog drop us a line, we're always on the look out for new contributors to write about their research, careers + more [email protected] -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Aida Suárez-Gonzalez narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Aida has just been awarded UCL Global Engagement Funds (GEF) for a project to co-produce positive narratives about dementia. The GEF are an exciting seed funding scheme for all sorts of global engagement ideas. In Aida's project, she plans to partne with collaborators at Princeton University and the University of South Carolina. The aim being to co-create an Oliver Sack’s style book about people with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and dementia with lewy bodies (DLB). And publish it - in this blog Aida shares her journey of selling the idea and applying for the UCL Global Engagement funds. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-building-positive-narratives-about-dementia/ -- Dr Aida Suarez-Gonzalez is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Senior Research Fellow at the Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology at Queen Square. With many years clinical experience working in Spain, Aida now investigating non-pharmacological interventions, services and assistive technologies to support people living well with dementia. -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line [email protected]

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Kam was recently asked to peer review a grant by a major UK research funder. This was not something she had been asked to do before, and it made her realise the sheer number of tasks required of us in academia that we simply get zero training or guidance on. In this blog, Kamar pulls together her experience of grant peer reviewing and provides guidance that will hopefully be helpful to other new reviewers. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-peer-reviewing-grant-applications/ -- Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Teesside University & Affiliate Researcher at Glasgow University. In addition to teaching, Kamar is exploring how neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases that lead to dementia. Having first pursued a career as an NHS Psychologist, Kamar went back to University in Durham to look at rodent behavioural tasks to completed her PhD, and then worked as a regional Programme Manager for NC3Rs. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Beth Eyre narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Not only is this the year I will Beth be finishing her PhD training, but this was also the year she had a go at writing her first ever fellowship application. Writing your first applicatoin can be a hard slog (which is probably why so many people take a gap year between PhD and Fellowship and explore a ready-made postdoc position). Beth says she is very lucky, because she has extremely helpful supervisors to provide lots of advice along the way. So in this blog, Beth shares some of the ins and outs of the process. Because let’s be honest, there are many things within academia that we have no idea about until we actually have to do them – and fellowship applications certainly fall into that category! Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-writing-a-fellowship-application/ We're always on the look out for new contributors, if you would like to write and narrate your own blog - drop us a line to [email protected] Don't forget to also listen to our fortnightly podcast, just look for Dementia Researcher in your podcast app. -- Beth Eyre is a PhD Student at The University of Sheffield, researching Neurovascular and cognitive function in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease. Beth has a background in psychology, where she gained her degree from the University of Leeds. Inside and outside the lab, Beth loves sharing her science and in her blogs she discusses her work, career and shares lessons she learns as she navigates life as an early career researcher. -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line [email protected]

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Yvonne has recently been doing a lot of procrastinating, and not a lot of grant writing. In fact as she writes this, she should be either in the lab or writing a grant and yet she is not! Instead she is writing and narrating this blog. When talking to a friend about the challenge, they replied that they thought procrastination was often a response to trauma. Not big car crash, death of a loved one trauma. But trauma, nevertheless. And it got Yvonne to thinking about why we procrastinate, more importantly why she procrastinates, and whether there’s anything we can do about it. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-procrastination-the-thief-of-time/ -- Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK Fellow at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. Yvonne writes about her work, academic life, and careers as she takes a new road into independent research. _____________________________________________________ Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. It’s only taken 2.5 years for Clarissa to finally go out to Australia as part of her Wellcome Trust funding. There was a time when she thought it would never happen, but it finally became possible to connect in real life with some researchers she has worked with remotely on routine data in dementia care, and to meet a great number of brilliant minds over there. In this blog Clarissa talks about the trip and reflects on the benefits of networking and overseas collaborations. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-the-value-of-academic-travel-and-face-to-face-networking/ -- Dr Clarissa Giebel is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and NIHR ARC North West Coast. Clarissa has been working in dementia care research for over 10 years focusing her research on helping people with dementia to live at home independently and well for longer, addressing inequalities that people with dementia and carers can face. Outside of her day work, Clarissa has also organised a local dementia network - the Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, and has recently started her own podcast called the Ageing Scientist. -- If you would like to write your own blog drop us a line, we're always on the look out for new contributors to write about their research, careers + more [email protected] -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. -- Note - Dementia Researcher understands the benefits of international travel to support conference attendance and collaborations. However, we want to make you aware that a return flight from London to Singapore creates 3 tonnes of CO2 per passenger. That’s the equivalent of heating a family home for a year. Please consider offsetting your flights when international travel is essential, and take the train when you can. Find more information at https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/airlines/article/carbon-offsetting-how-to-reduce-the-impact-of-flying-abuH44x4FeWn

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Recent years have seen various mentoring schemes pop up in academia both within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and through organisations and charities. This has, in part, been in response to a changing landscape over the last decade or so, which has seen an increase in precarious contract-based employment for early career researchers (ECRs), resulting in many talented scientists leaving academia for better-paid secure employment where they feel valued. In this blog Kam shares her experience of being part of two different mentoring schemes and discusses why ECRs need good mentors. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-why-ecrs-need-good-mentors/ -- Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Teesside University & Affiliate Researcher at Glasgow University. In addition to teaching, Kamar is exploring how neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases that lead to dementia. Having first pursued a career as an NHS Psychologist, Kamar went back to University in Durham to look at rodent behavioural tasks to completed her PhD, and then worked as a regional Programme Manager for NC3Rs. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Diana Karamacoska narrates her blog written for the ISTAART Partnering with Research Participants PIA, shared by Dementia Researcher (this blog has also been published in Spanish). People from culturally diverse backgrounds, particularly those that do not speak English, tend to be excluded from dementia research. This is a pressing issue considering the disparities associated with these populations accessing information about dementia, diagnostic support, interventions, and care services in highly multicultural places like Australia, UK, and USA. Seeing the impacts of these gaps in our own communities inspired Diana and the ISTAART Partnering with Participants PIA to make dementia research accessible, inclusive, and equitable. They are now sharing the lessons they've learnt so that other teams can intentionally embrace diversity (and avoid the hiccups they encountered). Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/istaart-blog-fostering-inclusivity-in-dementia-research-and-teams/ -- Dr Diana Karamacoska is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Western Sydney University with a background in cognitive neuroscientist. Diana is moving in to the the public health field after seeing the stigma, health disparities, and lack of appropriate education about dementia in multicultural communities. Diana is also Vice Chair of the ISTAART Partnering with Research Participants PIA. Research for dementia therapeutics and care occurs in a world that is constantly changing. We can improve accessibility and meaningfulness of research by integrating perspectives of participants in the design and conduct of research, as well as in the way results are disseminated. A global forum is needed for researchers to share best practices on how to partner with participants, as well as opportunities to learn directly from the lived experiences of a diverse group of research participants. The ISTAART Partnering with Research Participants PIA, works with existing PIAs and leverage existing groups to ensure broad access and applicability. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line [email protected]

Gabriela Caballero narra un blog escrito por la Dra. Diana Karamacoska publicado en Dementia Researcher en nombre de ISTAART Partnering with Research Participants PIA (This blog has also been published in English). Las personas de orígenes culturalmente diversos, particularmente aquellas que no hablan inglés, tienden a ser excluidas de las investigaciones sobre la demencia. Este es un tema urgente considerando las disparidades asociadas con el acceso de estas poblaciones a información sobre la demencia, apoyo diagnóstico, intervención, y servicios de atención en lugares altamente multiculturales como Australia, el Reino Unido y los Estados Unidos. Al ver estas diferencias de equidad en nuestras comunidades, inspiró a nuestro equipo a hacer la investigación en demencia accesible, inclusiva y equitativa. Ahora estamos compartiendo las lecciones que hemos aprendido para que otros equipos puedan adoptar la diversidad y evitar los problemas con los que nosotros nos enfrentamos. Encuentre el texto original y la narración aquí en nuestro sitio web.. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/istaart-blog-fostering-inclusivity-in-dementia-research-and-teams/ -- Dr Diana Karamacoska is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Western Sydney University with a background in cognitive neuroscientist. Diana is moving in to the the public health field after seeing the stigma, health disparities, and lack of appropriate education about dementia in multicultural communities. Diana is also Vice Chair of the ISTAART Partnering with Research Participants PIA. Gabriela Caballero (who provided the Spanish translation and narration for this blog) is a Researcher and PhD candidate in the NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University. She recently completed a Bachelor of Psychology, during this time she worked as a crisis supporter and as a research assistant on multiple dementia-related projects. Gabriela's PhD focuses on improving the quality of life for multicultural communities impacted by dementia. Research for dementia therapeutics and care occurs in a world that is constantly changing. We can improve accessibility and meaningfulness of research by integrating perspectives of participants in the design and conduct of research, as well as in the way results are disseminated. A global forum is needed for researchers to share best practices on how to partner with participants, as well as opportunities to learn directly from the lived experiences of a diverse group of research participants. The ISTAART Partnering with Research Participants PIA, works with existing PIAs and leverage existing groups to ensure broad access and applicability. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line [email protected]

Hannah Hussain narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In this blog Hannah discusses Health Outcomes. It is well known that some groups in the population have significantly poorer health outcomes and worse experiences of using health and care services than others. Overall, experts agree that the best health outcome following interaction with healthcare services or delivery of an intervention (or research intervention) should be one that the person recieving feels is the best - but how is that measures? (because we do like our checks and balances) In this blog Hannah explains all things outcomes related, hopefully this will be a helpful blog to those that may be finding this topic a little intimidating. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-outcomes-matter/ -- Hannah Hussain is a PhD Student in Health Economics at The University of Sheffield. As a proud third generation migrant and British-Asian, her career path has been linear and ever evolving, originally qualifying as a Pharmacist in Nottingham, then Health Economics in Birmingham. Her studies have opened a world into Psychology, Mental Health and other areas of health, and with that and personal influences she found her passion for dementia. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line [email protected]

Dr Megan Polden narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In her first blog for Dementia Researcher, Megan writes about her passion for older peoples research and improving the lives of people living with dementia. We hear about the amazing work on her PhD, which explored the use of eyetracking technology as a biomarker, and now about the plans for her first postdoc position, evaluating and exploring the benefits of singing and dancing as a support for both careers and people living with dementia in the community. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-evaluation-of-singing-dancing-interventions-for-dementia/ -- Dr Megan Polden is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at University of Liverpool, currently researching the effectiveness and accessibility of singing and dancing intervention services for people living with dementia. Megan completed her undergraduate degree, masters and PhD at Lancaster University. Her PhD examined memory and inhibitory control processes in Alzheimer's Disease and mild cognitive impairment and examining whether eye tracking could be an effective method to measure these processes. Follow Megan on Twitter: @MeganPolden -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Victoria Shepherd narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Do you have experience of struggling to recruit people to your research study? Both Alzheimer’s Research UK and Alzheimers’ Society have highlighted the shockingly low participation in dementia research compared to other major health conditions. Recent announcements of a ‘national mission’ to tackle dementia and funding to strengthen capacity and capability in dementia research are, of course, very welcome. However, the barriers to recruiting sufficient numbers of people living with dementia will also need to be addressed. Could there be other ways to look at this challenge? Vicky discusses in this blog. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-advance-planning-for-research-participation/ -- Dr Victoria Shepherd is a Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University where she leads a programme of research to improve inclusivity of under-served groups in trials, with a particular focus on the ethical and methodological challenges around involving adults who lack capacity to consent. She leads a number of trials methodology research projects, including the development of the NIHR INCLUDE Impaired Capacity to Consent Framework which helps researchers to design more inclusive trials. Victoria is a registered nurse and is also involved in the design and conduct of a range of clinical trials and national and international studies in care homes. Follow Vicky on Twitter: @VickyLShepherd -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. If you follow Sam's work with Dementia Researcher you may have stumbled upon his podcast series “Food for Thought”. It’s a show Sam sits down with medical doctors who specialise in treating their patients by complementing modern medicine with well-evidenced, beneficial diet and lifestyle choices. They talk about the best foods you can eat in order to keep your brain in the best possible shape and reduce your risk of developing dementia. If you have listened to any of those podcast episodes you will have learned that there is a wealth of evidence out there that, in many cases, genes merely load the gun for developing dementia. Diet and lifestyle pulls the trigger. So much so that diet and lifestyle choices are the biggest controllable risk factors for developing dementia. More specifically, eating healthy and exercising is one of the best things to do for your brain and there is a recurring theme from every podcast guest: avoid processed foods and bad fats. There are various ways of doing this but the easiest way to do it is to get more plants on your plate. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes etc. and this brings us to the topic for this podcast - January is a month of change and it may be the 5th January, but you're not too late to try Veganuary, in this blog Sam talks you through how to get through it. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-top-tips-for-veganuary/ -- Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials scientist at the University of Manchester. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney. Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected] This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Gaia Brezzo narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. It’s from the comfort of her living room sofa that Gaia writes her final blog for 2022, cup of tea in hand and a purring cat on her lap as she taps away on the keyboard. This month, to round up 2022, Gaia decided to blog about what she has achieved – and not achieved – this year, as she reflects back on another year of her science and what – hopefully exiting stuff – 2023 could bring. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-reflections-for-2022-another-year-of-science/ -- Dr Gaia Brezzo is a Research Fellow based within the UK Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh. Gaia's research focuses on understanding how immune alterations triggered by stroke shape chronic maladaptive neuroimmune responses that lead to post-stroke cognitive decline and vascular dementia. Raised in Italy, Gaia came to the UK to complete her undergraduate degree, and thankfully, stuck around. Gaia writes about her work and career challenges, when not biking her way up and down hills in Edinburgh. Follow Gaia on Twitter: @Gaia_Brezzo -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Are you making a resolution in the new year? Warning: More than half of all resolutions fail, but this year, they don’t have to be yours. Adam shares his simple resolutions and shares some top tips to become part of the small group of people that successfully achieve their goals. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-new-years-resolutions/ -- Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health. He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house. _____________________________________________________ Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Academia can feel rushed at the best of times, and like going at 200 kilometres an hour at the most intense of times. Depending on your career stage, that can involve grant writing, papers, analysis, leading meetings and international projects, work trips (the most exciting bits of the job!!), presenting your work at conferences and seminars, a lot of public involvement, line management, providing feedback to your students and team members, writing, more grant writing, facing rejections, and throw in some academic politics. And not to forget keeping up to date with the latest research, and jointly thinking of new research ideas. So how do you stop and reflect and take time to take-stock? Clarissa shares her tips. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-avoiding-burnout-taking-stockings-over-christmas/ -- Dr Clarissa Giebel is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and NIHR ARC North West Coast. Clarissa has been working in dementia care research for over 10 years focusing her research on helping people with dementia to live at home independently and well for longer, addressing inequalities that people with dementia and carers can face. Outside of her day work, Clarissa has also organised a local dementia network - the Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, and has recently started her own podcast called the Ageing Scientist. -- If you would like to write your own blog drop us a line, we're always on the look out for new contributors to write about their research, careers + more [email protected] This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. OK so that title was really boring. Apologies. But on the upside, it’s super obvious what we’re going to talk about today. For this one, Yvonne was inspired by two things. A chat with a junior colleague (who will know who she is if she’s listening) and the amazing Lonely Pipette podcast episode with Jen Heemstra. Yvonne approaches this topic in stages because it’s important to note is that what you prioritize and how you prioritize will change throughout your career. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-prioritising/ -- Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK Fellow at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. Yvonne writes about her work, academic life, and careers as she takes a new road into independent research. _____________________________________________________ Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Connor is back to the second part of his introduction to the dementia researcher blog. In this piece Connor introduces himself as a researcher, with a tour of his career so far - with a great demonstration how one move, leads to the next. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-my-research-career-from-biochemistry-to-biostatistics/ -- Dr Connor Richardson is a Neuro-epidemiology Research Associate in the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute. Connor is the research statistician for the Cognitive Function and Ageing studies (CFAS) multi-centre population cohort. His research interest lies in using advanced statistical modelling and machine learning to measure dementia risk. Connor blogs about his research, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and sometimes his Pomapoo’s. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Nathan Stephens narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Dementia is rarely considered a market issue, well at least not explicitly. Yet the unequitable distribution of care and support, cost of care and unpaid care, and inequality of information are symptoms of a ‘failed market’. This is according to the Treasury’s Green Book which identifies four domains of market failure: under-provision of public goods/services, imperfect information about goods/services, externalities, and market or monopoly power. In this blog Nathan discusses the issues. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-addressing-market-failure-why-we-cant-let-the-market-win/ -- Nathan Stephens is a PhD Student and unpaid carer, working on his PhD at University of Worcester, studying the Worcestershire Meeting Centres Community Support Programme. Inspired by caring for both grandparents and personal experience of dementia, Nathan has gone from a BSc in Sports & Physical Education, an MSc in Public Health, and now working on his PhD. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. It’s that time of year again. Time to go “really?! End of the year already?!” The time where you maybe take a second to look back on the year and reflect on what has happened, what maybe didn’t happen and what you want to do next year to keep moving forwards. That’s Sam's topic for this month and he hopes you will join him for the ride and maybe spend a little time afterwards thinking about this year and what you want to carry forwards into the next one. It’s a personal blog it’s a good thing to do when this time of year rolls around - self-reflection as a tool for improvement. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-looking-back-on-2022-a-year-of-change/ -- Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials scientist at the University of Manchester. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney. Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected] This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Clarissa Giebel narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. In October, we were finally able to attend the Alzheimer’s Europe Conference in person again. Each year the INTERDEM – a European network of dementia researchers focusing on Early detection and timely INTERvention in DEMentia, take the oppertunity to meet. In this blog Clarissa discusses a new initative to research Inequalities in Dementia Care. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-interdem-taskforce-exploring-inequalities-in-care/ -- Dr Clarissa Giebel is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and NIHR ARC North West Coast. Clarissa has been working in dementia care research for over 10 years focusing her research on helping people with dementia to live at home independently and well for longer, addressing inequalities that people with dementia and carers can face. Outside of her day work, Clarissa has also organised a local dementia network - the Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, and has recently started her own podcast called the Ageing Scientist. -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. If you would like to write your own blog drop us a line, we're always on the look out for new contributors to write about their research, careers + more [email protected]

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Kam is currently in the depths of that feeling most, if not all, academics experience throughout their careers, the feeling of failing. Three hits in as many months is enough to give anyone pause for thought! A grant application that doesn't get through to the next round, failure to get a paper published, and then an internal grant rejection. There are so many ways to fail in academia, and so many of us experience failure, often repeatedly. So in this month’s blog Kam asks the question: should failure be normalised in academia? Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-should-failure-be-normalised-in-academia/ -- Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Teesside University & Affiliate Researcher at Glasgow University. In addition to teaching, Kamar is exploring how neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases that lead to dementia. Having first pursued a career as an NHS Psychologist, Kamar went back to University in Durham to look at rodent behavioural tasks to completed her PhD, and then worked as a regional Programme Manager for NC3Rs. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Gaia Brezzo narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Gaia is planning to attend an early career (ECR) event in person early next month. Even as a postdoc with quite a few years of experience under her belt, she still has that niggling feeling of guilt when she takes time away from the lab and the foreboding anxious wait to see if it was actually worth it. In this blog Gaia shares her thoughts on attending these types of events, what can be gained from them, why some of us might feel guilty attending and some tips to help you decide if that ECR event really is worth your time. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-early-career-research-events-to-attend-or-not-to-attend/ -- Dr Gaia Brezzo is a Research Fellow based within the UK Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh. Gaia's research focuses on understanding how immune alterations triggered by stroke shape chronic maladaptive neuroimmune responses that lead to post-stroke cognitive decline and vascular dementia. Raised in Italy, Gaia came to the UK to complete her undergraduate degree, and thankfully, stuck around. Gaia writes about her work and career challenges, when not biking her way up and down hills in Edinburgh. Follow Gaia on Twitter: @Gaia_Brezzo -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Today Yvonne is talking science for, not opinions (although a few may creep in). This particular post was inspired by her recent attendance at an ARUK event. Almost everyone attending was working on clinical cohorts and everyone else, with the exception of Yvonne, was working on iPSCs. So today's blog is about induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC); what they are, why people use them and what they could be used for in dementia research. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-stem-cells/ -- Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK Fellow at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. _____________________________________________________ This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

Dr Aida Suárez-Gonzalez narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. ReadClear is an app to support reading in posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). Aida and her team co-produced the service with a group of people living with PCA, and then went on to test it in a randomised clinical trial. Aida has blogged about the value of this PPI process in the past but has never written about how she supported participants to engage with the app during the trial and how co-production continued during the trial itself. Dr Ivanna Pavisic and Dr Dilek Ocal were the colleagues who conducted the ReadClear home-based trial with her. They travelled around England training participants on how to use the app and facilitating a context that led to new rounds of priceless feedback. In this blog Aida chats to both of them as they share their learnings and personal experience. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-embedding-ppi-in-our-readclear-tech-trial/ We're always on the look out for new contributors, if you would like to write and narrate your own blog - drop us a line to [email protected] Don't forget to also listen to our fortnightly - published fortnightly, just look for Dementia Researcher in your podcast app. -- Dr Aida Suarez-Gonzalez is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Senior Research Fellow at the Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology at Queen Square. With many years clinical experience working in Spain, Aida now investigating non-pharmacological interventions, services and assistive technologies to support people living well with dementia. -- This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line [email protected]

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. We're delighted to welcome a new blogger to our staff contributor line-up. Welcome to Dr Connor Richardson, Neuro-epidemiology Research Associate in the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute. In this first blog we get a gentle introduction to his background, and a taster of the things to come in his future blogs. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-connor-richardson-introduction/ -- Dr Connor Richardson is a Neuro-epidemiology Research Associate in the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute. Connor is the research statistician for the Cognitive Function and Ageing studies (CFAS) multi-centre population cohort. His research interest lies in using advanced statistical modelling and machine learning to measure dementia risk. Connor blogs about his research, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and sometimes his Pomapoo’s. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Nathan Stephens narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Questionaries are one of the most common data collection tools in the business along with interviews and focus groups. You’ve probably completed one, or at least been asked to. Yet if you’ve never designed a questionnaire there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. After Nathans recent experience of developing questionnaires, he is using this blog to help others avoid his self-inflicted misfortune. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-designing-and-distributing-questionnaires/ -- Nathan Stephens is a PhD Student and unpaid carer, working on his PhD at University of Worcester, studying the Worcestershire Meeting Centres Community Support Programme. Inspired by caring for both grandparents and personal experience of dementia, Nathan has gone from a BSc in Sports & Physical Education, an MSc in Public Health, and now working on his PhD. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Adam Smith asked us to interupt our usual schedule to bring you some special news... The 2022 Dementia Research Charity Chatathon LIVE will take place on Friday 2nd December. Adam will host 12+ hours non-stop chat with over 60 researchers and special guests working accross all areas of discovery to beat Alzheimer's disease and all forms of dementia. Raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society, Race Against Dementia and The Lewy Body Society and providing insights into the latest research taking place across the UK and Worldwide. Find details on the event and liverstream speakers, schedule and how to make a donation at: http://www.chatathon.uk Be sure to also tell all your friends and colleagues. -- Note Dementia Researcher is not officially involved in this event, we're just delighted to support this great work, direct and questions or queries directly to [email protected]

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. In this blog for Tech and Dementia Week, Yvonne talks about the amount of data people are generating, whether we can harness it for good using things like artificial intelligence, and how to approach these big data generating techniques properly without turning them into one epic fishing expedition. As ever, Yvonne brings some sensible opinions to the story (would you expect anything less?) and to quote the blog 'all you snazzy sequencing people are probably going to hate me'. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-big-data/ -- Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK Fellow at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. Yvonne has joined the team of staff bloggers at Dementia Researcher, and will be writing about her work and life as she takes a new road into independent research. _____________________________________________________ Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

Danielle Wilson narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Works in the UK Dementia Research Institute, Care Research & Technology Group at Imperial College London. In this blog Danielle discusses her passion of tech research and its ability to augment care, and about some of the work being done within the UKDRI to drive this forward, at the cutting edge of support (if you enjoy this you should also check out our blog from Pippa Kirby who works within the DRI). Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-technology-to-help-care/ -- Danielle Wilson is a former acting director of a pre-eminent NHS centre conducting clinical trials & observational studies in across dementia & mental health conditions, and is the current Centre and Research Commercialisation lead at UK Dementia Research Institute, Care Research & Technology at Imperial College London. Danielle has extensive clinical research experience working with the National Institute of Health Research networks, the University of Oxford, the National Health Service (including Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT), Clinical Research Organisations & global pharmaceutical companies. She has experience working across medical specialities in a variety of human clinical trials, tissue, imaging & data studies. Passionate about patient care, participant safety & research excellence. Invested in staff development; most recently developed & implemented a competency framework for clinical researchers. Danielle is also a Chair & long-standing expert member of a Health Research Authority research ethics committee leading a multidisciplinary group to review & give opinion on a broad range of studies, with particular specialism in applying knowledge of the mental capacity act to review research studies recruiting individuals who lack capacity. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Thaïs Caprioli narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Within the last two decades, the use of information communication technology (ICT) to deliver health and social care services has received considerable attention. The possible role of ICT to increase the number of people accessing care, whilst aligning with a cost-saving agenda, forms an enticing solution to an underfunded health and social care sector which is faced with an ever-increasing demand. The adoption of ICT in practice has been implemented at quite a leisurely pace, that is, until the COVID-19 pandemic caused a widespread shift from accessing post-diagnostic support in-person, to remotely. Is this a good thing? Thaïs discusses the changing role of support in this special blog for our Tech & Dementia week. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-the-benefits-and-drawbacks-of-accessing-post-diagnostic-support-remotely/ -- Thaïs Caprioli is a PhD Student at University of Liverpool, undertaking health service research and exploring health inequalities. A passion that stems from her years working with people living with dementia, and as a physiotherapist and as a programme coordinator within a health programme implementing in lower- and middle-income countries. In her spare time she can mostly be found reading a book with a cup of coffee. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Historically, cognitive assessments for dementia diagnosis have relied on pencil and paper measures administered by a clinician. These tests are designed to evaluate various cognitive domains, such as memory, visuospatial abilities, and language, and should indicate whether there are potential signs of dementia. However, performance on these tests can be strongly influenced by other factors, such as cultural background or educational level. There are questions relating to whether such tests have the sensitivity to detect early stages of diseases, like Alzheimer’s, which is crucial if this is when treatments are most effective. In this blog Kam discusses how technology is being used to advance cognitive assessments used in dementia diagnosis. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-advances-in-digital-cognitive-assessments-for-dementia-diagnosis/ -- Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Teesside University & Affiliate Researcher at Glasgow University. In addition to teaching, Kamar is exploring how neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases that lead to dementia. Having first pursued a career as an NHS Psychologist, Kamar went back to University in Durham to look at rodent behavioural tasks to completed her PhD, and then worked as a regional Programme Manager for NC3Rs. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Pippa Kirby, narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. There is no doubt that technology is dramatically changing the landscape of health and social care, and dementia care is no exception. Pippa's research is focused on exploring people with dementia’s perceptions and experiences of smart home technology. ‘Smart homes’ are one of the ways being proposed in which technology may be used to prevent hospitalisations and enable people to remain living in their own homes for longer. An appealing proposition perhaps, but a concept which can be divisive: will these systems promote independence and greater freedom, or is this Big Brother? It is important that we learn more about what people with dementia think of this type of home technology, and that their voices are central to the design and development of these systems so that the resulting services are ethical, engaging and effective. In this blog speech and language therapist Pippa discusses her research exploring how we can support the communication of people with speech, language and cognitive difficulties to engage with new innovative technology, and ensure they have as much of a place at the table as those without communication difficulties when it comes to design and delivery. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-communicating-smart-technology/ -- Pippa Kirby is a Speech and Language Therapist and Pre-doctoral Clinical Research Fellow based within the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London. As a clinician Pippa became interested in how we empower and involve patients with communication difficulties in conversations and in decision making, this led to her current research within the UKDRI Care & Technology Centre, developing smart homes for people with dementia, and how to best explore and understand the perspectives of people with dementia, and involve them in the research. Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected]

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Nanoparticles are small sized (1-100 nm) particles derived from transition metals, silver, copper, aluminum, silicon, carbon and metal oxides that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and/or produce damage to the barrier integrity by altering endothelial cell membrane permeability. Could this new innovation be the key to targetting new drug therapies to treat Alzheimer's Diseease? Sam explores in this blog for our Tech and Dementia special focus week. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-techniques-blog-nanomedicine-in-dementia-research/ -- Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials scientist at the University of Manchester. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney. Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected]

Dr Alan Cronemberger Andrade narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher. Digital interactions could be useful for tracking health states, especially for brain disorders. The problem is that this kind of data may be harder to protect, and less controlled by ourselves. People with dementia, and other cognitive and behavioural problems, are vulnerable to data insecurity. In this blog Alan describes what digital phenotyping is.. the good and bad aspects of using it, and some future perspectives behind ethical and methodological difficulties. Healthcare professionals and non-clinical researchers need to talk more about that. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-digital-phenotyping-in-dementia-and-neurology-we-have-questions/ -- Dr Alan Cronemberger Andrade is a Neurologist and MSc Student in Neurology and Neuroscience at the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil. He takes care of patients with neurological problems in diverse settings, and studies how digital technology interacts with the human brain in health and disease, focused on dementia and related disorders. His aim is to find how useful digital technologies could be in the near future, helping dementia patients and their caregivers. He loves writing, travelling, and reading about curious facts of ancient history. If you would like to write for us, or join out team of regular contributors, drop us a line - [email protected]

Hannah Hussain narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher. Its tech and dementia week, and in this blog Hannah explores how virtual reality is jumping out of the hands of gamers, and into the research space as a non-pharmalogical intervention. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/guest-blog-virtual-reality/ -- Hannah Hussain is a PhD Student in Health Economics at The University of Sheffield. As a proud third generation migrant and British-Asian, her career path has been linear and ever evolving, originally qualifying as a Pharmacist in Nottingham, then Health Economics in Birmingham. Her studies have opened a world into Psychology, Mental Health and other areas of health, and with that and personal influences she found her passion for dementia. -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, who we thank for their ongoing support. Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line [email protected]